My friends are telling me that Vendors do not have to be included in the final head count I give to the reception. they are saying that if a vendor wants to eat he/she can eat at the cocktail hour. I think this is crazy!! I plan on feeding every vendor at my reception a meal therefore I will add them to the head count. What is your experience with this?
curly2003
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Re: Feeding Vendors at Wedding
Hi Octbride, I know your asking vendors but I wanted to respond. I am DEFINITELY feeding my vendors. They are not included in the final headcount (which is part of your minimum) but I get a discount at my hall. I am paying 1/3 of the per person price for each vendor. I could NOT imagine having for example my video or music or photo guy with us for like 8-10 hours and NOT feed them. I think that is INHUMANE!!! I'm sure you won't do that but I know of people who have and I think it's appauling.
michele31
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Re: Feeding Vendors at Wedding
My video guy, photographers and band members will all be feed at the wedding. I get vendor plates for a discount (since they do not drink alchol I guess). I do not think it is fair to starve someone for an entire day.
OctBride
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Re: Feeding Vendors at Wedding
Thans Curly2003. I ABSOLUTELY Agree with you 100%
Wild Rose Video
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Re: Feeding Vendors at Wedding
Hi Octbride,
You don't have to do anything. But as Curly2003 said, you should be discounted on vendor meals.
Most of my brides & grooms will call and ask me how many will be staying for dinner. They always include us and all of their other vendors.
If you are not going to have dinner for your vendors, then you must be aware that they will have to leave your reception site to go and eat. People can't stay without food and work successfully. We need to eat too! You don't want your photographer or videogrpaher to leave when something memorable might happen. I would discuss this with your catering hall and then your vendors. But they should give you a discount for vendor dinners.
Marie
Sonicstef
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Re: Feeding Vendors at Wedding
I am feeding all of my vendors so this is already decided for me.
But someone here told me that they asked their BAND if they wanted a tip or a meal (they could only afford one) and the BAND picked the tip.
Personally, I think hungry people don't do as great of a job but its one way to go.
A. Stan Wiest Music
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Feeding Vendors at Wedding
Dear OctBride, I want to thank the brides that responded the way they did. Each of the vendors involved in a wedding puts in a very long day to make it a success. Speaking for myself I arrive two and a half hours with my road crew - prior to performing time. Typical day time wedding schedule goes as follows: For a 12 noon start: Arrive with road crew to set up 9:30 AM at catering location. Three set ups-one for the band-one for the ceremony and one for the hour prior to the reception 12 noon music as guests arrive 12:30 wedding ceremony music 1PM -2 PM Hour of music prior to reception 2PM - 6PM Reception continuous music (not counting possible additional hour for viennese hour or overtime) Starting at 9:30 AM on location-by the time the reception is in full swing it definitely makes a difference for the performers to have something to eat. It will definitely help to keep the energy level going for the performers. Most catering operations offer a special package for the vendor meals. Again my thank you to the brides for your kind responses. Thank you to OctBride for your concern in this matter. Stan Wiest A.Stan Wiest Music Sophistication With Pizazz Stan Wiest WebsiteStan Wiest Email
jennbaby
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Re: Feeding Vendors at Wedding
I will also of course, be feeding all my vendors, I could never imagine not doing so. I will also offer my videoguy and photographer at least something to drink the morning of my wedding while I am at my mom's house. How could you not offer? My hall also discounts vendor plates but even if they didn't, I would be sure they get a meal!
Teri
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Re: Feeding Vendors at Wedding
I also plan to feed my vendors - I still remember how terrible it was when I worked as a waitress for a catering company back in high school. We'd put in 10+ hr days working our butts off, and we were never allowed to 'officially' take a break and eat. It is inhumane not to eat at all for that long, especially when you were passing around food all day!!! LOL
Marcela1654
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Re: Feeding Vendors at Wedding
Hi: I will of course feed my vendors. However, my reception hall (Floral Terrace) told me that I only get a discount on their meals if I meet my minimum. This goes for children also. So for example, I have to guarantee 150 people. If we only have 120, I will have to pay full price for vendors and children.
A. Stan Wiest Music
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Feeding Vendors at Wedding
Reply to Marcella Dear Marcella, The minimum catering halls require- means that you will have to pay for that number of guests . If they have a minimum of 150 and you only have 120 guests - you will still be paying for 150 guests. In this case count your vendors as part of the 150 minimum. Do not pay extra over and above. Tell your caterer that since you have to pay for 150 -you want your vendors counted as the 150. This will avoid an additional unnecessary cost for you. Please feel free to call me directly if you have any questions about this. I have advised many brides to do the same over the years Stan Wiest (631) 754-0594 A.STAN WIEST MUSIC SOPHISTICATION WITH PIZAZZ STAN WIEST WEBSITESTAN WIEST EMAIL
Marcela1654
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Re: Feeding Vendors at Wedding
Hi Stan: Thanks for the reply. Sorry my post wasn't clear. Yes I know I have to pay for 150 people no matter what. But if I have 150 or more of my guests show up then I'll only have to pay 1/2 price for vendors and children under 7. If at the end I don't have 150, I'll end up paying for 150 anyway (with vendors and children included) but will not get the 50% off for vendors or children. In other words I only get a discount for the vendors and children if I meet the guarantee. Hope this is clearer!! Sorry for the confusion.
ChristineC68
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Re: Feeding Vendors at Wedding
We always planned to feed our vendors as well and agree with everyone saying how can you not feed them?? I also offer the cable guy a beverage if he is in the house longer then 20 minutes.
Our catering hall discounts the vendors meals also but only after we meet the minimum. We guaranteed 100 people. If we have 99 guests and 3 vendors - 1 vendor is full price and the other 2 are discounted.
